- Apr 25, 2016
- 3
- 0
- 1,510
Greetings,
To add to the endless list of these posts, I'm planning to build my first NAS.
This is mainly going to be used as a media center/backup (don't panic, the important stuff is backed up offsite as well).
From reading some posts on here already I think I know what to go for, but I'd still like some advice on a few things first.
Here is my current part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/JcMDbv
Since I'm hoping to run this as a Plex server eventually, I think the i3 should be enough, though I have seen some recommendations to use a Xeon instead for the higher thread count.
From what I can tell, using non-ECC RAM should be fine for home use, though ECC is still recommended. I'd need to change my motherboard to support this (which I'd prefer not to), and wondered if the swap would be worth it.
I currently have around 2TB worth of stuff in my current external drive, and from this Paul's Hardware video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEwMXsy9v2o&ab_channel=Paul%27sHardware) I think I should have around 5-6TB of usable space, which will be more than enough for quite a while.
FreeNAS looks like the best way to go, though it might take me some time to understand how to use it. Would this be the better option or should I use Windows/Plex for now?
Speaking of Plex, I am not entirely sure how large I need the SSD to be for it. Would I need something like a 256/512 or does that not matter?
The 951 is going to be paired with a PCIe M.2 adapter, since the motherboard only has 4 SATA ports (unless someone can suggest an alternative, though I can't seem to find one that fits my needs)
The PSU was going into my backup system but I've changed my mind on the case so I can get a different one now.
I realise I could maybe build this a bit cheaper with mATX parts, but I'd be wasted and I want the smaller form factor.
Side note:
I currently have 1 of the WD Red's in my desktop, and I was planning to replace it with a WD Green 3/4TB to go for silence. However, since I am swapping my case for a Define R5 soon, I am not sure if it would matter between a Green or Blue since I probably won't hear it anyway. Also, since this drive will mostly have photos and videos, does the higher speed of the Blue make any real-world difference?
Most of this isn't going to be bought immediately, in fact it'll probably be a few months before I even start, but I'd like to get a general idea of what would make a good NAS.
And while I realise that this system is fairly overkill since it is just me right now, I will likely build it up slowly to suit my needs, with the part list above being the end goal.
TL;DR
As always, any help is appreciated.
Regards,
LoT /)
To add to the endless list of these posts, I'm planning to build my first NAS.
This is mainly going to be used as a media center/backup (don't panic, the important stuff is backed up offsite as well).
From reading some posts on here already I think I know what to go for, but I'd still like some advice on a few things first.
Here is my current part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/JcMDbv
Since I'm hoping to run this as a Plex server eventually, I think the i3 should be enough, though I have seen some recommendations to use a Xeon instead for the higher thread count.
From what I can tell, using non-ECC RAM should be fine for home use, though ECC is still recommended. I'd need to change my motherboard to support this (which I'd prefer not to), and wondered if the swap would be worth it.
I currently have around 2TB worth of stuff in my current external drive, and from this Paul's Hardware video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEwMXsy9v2o&ab_channel=Paul%27sHardware) I think I should have around 5-6TB of usable space, which will be more than enough for quite a while.
FreeNAS looks like the best way to go, though it might take me some time to understand how to use it. Would this be the better option or should I use Windows/Plex for now?
Speaking of Plex, I am not entirely sure how large I need the SSD to be for it. Would I need something like a 256/512 or does that not matter?
The 951 is going to be paired with a PCIe M.2 adapter, since the motherboard only has 4 SATA ports (unless someone can suggest an alternative, though I can't seem to find one that fits my needs)
The PSU was going into my backup system but I've changed my mind on the case so I can get a different one now.
I realise I could maybe build this a bit cheaper with mATX parts, but I'd be wasted and I want the smaller form factor.
Side note:
I currently have 1 of the WD Red's in my desktop, and I was planning to replace it with a WD Green 3/4TB to go for silence. However, since I am swapping my case for a Define R5 soon, I am not sure if it would matter between a Green or Blue since I probably won't hear it anyway. Also, since this drive will mostly have photos and videos, does the higher speed of the Blue make any real-world difference?
Most of this isn't going to be bought immediately, in fact it'll probably be a few months before I even start, but I'd like to get a general idea of what would make a good NAS.
And while I realise that this system is fairly overkill since it is just me right now, I will likely build it up slowly to suit my needs, with the part list above being the end goal.
TL;DR
Is the i3 good enough or should I swap for a Xeon?
Do I need ECC RAM?
Windows or FreeNAS to begin with?
What size SSD do I need for Plex?
Green or Blue to replace the Red?
Muffin?
As always, any help is appreciated.
Regards,
LoT /)
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